Sandusky's victims' statements can bring comfort, experts say

For many crime victims, making an "impact statement" at a defendant's sentencing in court is their first chance to face an offender directly.

BETH BRELJE

For many crime victims, making an "impact statement" at a defendant's sentencing in court is their first chance to face an offender directly.

"It takes a lot of strength and bravery," said Mary Beth Sayles, Pike County victim witness coordinator at the District Attorney's Office.

"For some it gives closure, for some it's the opportunity to be heard, for some it gives more anxiety. Most people who give statements feel better after they've made it," Sayles said.

Victims in the Jerry Sandusky case waited for years to come forward, and then waited some more for the investigation and trial, all the while thinking about what they would say when no attorney is involved and no courtroom cross-examination was on the line.

"I want you to know I don't forgive you, and I don't know if I will ever forgive you," one victim told Sandusky on Tuesday. "My only regret is that I didn't come forward sooner."

Victims have so much time to think about the statement that when it comes time to write it, it can be difficult to streamline to key points, Sayles said.

"You want the judge to hear how the crime has affected you, your family and your life," Sayles said.

Many victims prefer to write their statement and send it to the judge. This gives the judge extra time to consider the impact on the victim as part of the sentence.

"The judge really takes into account what the victim has to say. The victim uses it to heal. They are never going to completely heal, but it's a powerful healing tool to be able to tell their side of the story," said Tod Allen, director of victim services at the Pennsylvania Office of Victim's Advocate.

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